What should be checked before administering an injectable medication?

Checking the medication label, expiration date, and route is essential before administering an injectable medication to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. The medication label provides critical information, including the name of the drug, the dosage, and specific instructions for administration. Verifying the expiration date is crucial because administering an outdated medication can lead to ineffective treatment or harmful side effects. Additionally, the route of administration must be confirmed to guarantee that the medication is delivered correctly—for example, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. This meticulous attention to the medication details helps prevent errors and ensures that the patient receives the intended therapeutic benefits.

Other factors, such as a patient’s emotional state or previous medications, while important in a broader healthcare context, do not specifically pertain to the direct pre-administration checks required for injectable medications. The timing of the last meal, while relevant for certain medications to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort or interactions, does not supersede the need to verify the medication specifics immediately prior to administration.